Friends of a retired Salvation Army officer found dead while on holiday in Hong Kong have paid tribute to her as a man remains in police custody on suspicion of her murder.

The body of Major Janet Gilson, 64, was found at her niece's home in Lamma, the third largest island in Hong Kong, on Saturday. She had been reported missing three days previously.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case at Hong Kong's main ferry harbour and is still being questioned by police.

Major Gilson had retired recently and lived in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

In a statement, Major Carol Bailey, regional manager for the Salvation Army, said: "It was with great sadness and shock that we learned of the death of Major Janet Gilson.

"Major Gilson was a Salvation Army officer for many years and retired only in recent years. She was a deeply spiritual woman and was highly respected and loved by all those with whom she worked and came into contact.

"As a Christian minister and leader she worked in many capacities for The Salvation Army, not just in the UK but also in Russia. She was an inspirational person and she will be sadly missed."

Major Gilson, who arrived in Hong Kong on March 6, was last seen on Tuesday at her niece's home in Tai Yuen Village. She was reported missing the following day.

A Hong Kong police spokesman said she had suffered head injuries and that a post-mortem examination to determine her cause of death is yet to be held.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national on March 19 in Hong Kong. We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family if requested."